Avondhu and Mallow GAA circles mourn the late Derry Mannix

THERE was a great sense of sadness in Mallow and surrounding areas on Thursday March 21 when news broke of the death of Derry Mannix, Leaselands Mallow. The late Derry aged 87 died in Nazareth House, Mallow after a difficult illness bravely and privately borne.

Derry was retired staff training officer with An Post, and he was a well-known referee having been in charge of games at all levels. He was Secretary Avondhu Divisional Board and a Munster Hurling Officer for a 10-year period. In the 1950s he played senior hurling with Kildare and also Soccer with Arklow.

The late Derry was very well known in GAA circles. He was the Mallow GAA club historian writing the history book ‘The Long Meadow’. He played hurling and football with Mallow from a very young age.

In 1996 he coached the Avondhu senior hurlers to county honours defeating UCC in the final 2-11 to 4-4. In 1972 he coached Mallow Intermediate hurlers to their last county IHC title defeating Blackrock 4-10 to 1-9. In 1982 he was in charge of Castletownroche Junior hurlers who also won county honours defeating Delaney’s in the county final 5-16 to 3-4.

Over a 35-year period he coached many teams in the Avondhu Division and outside the Division. He was in charge of Liscarroll in the early 70s. He was also in charge of Ballyclough and Clyda Rovers. In the mid 90s he took charge of Killavullen. Other hurling teams he trained were Kilshannig, Grenagh, Effin, Kilbrin and Meelin.

His popularity was borne out in the very large and represented attendance at his funeral on Sunday evening from O’Connell’s Funeral Home St. James Ave to St. Mary’s Church Mallow.

There was also a very large attendance at the Requiem Mass on Monday followed by burial to St Gobnait’s Cemetery. Mallow GAA club flag was on his coffin and members of the local club along with others performed a guard of honour as the cortege made its way to St. Mary’s Church.

Derry was predeceased by his wife Anne.

To his sons Pearse, Cathal, Derry and John, daughters Martina, Siobhan and Ann their spouses and partners Paul, Aidan, Elaine, Sandy and Una, brothers Noel and Willsie, grandchildren Peter, Scott, Jack, Michael, Kate, Josh and Anne-Margaret, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, wonderful neighbours and many friends we tender our sincere sympathy.